The Shell as an Adaptable Space
In the span of a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered nearly every facet of our lives. We’ve found new ways to conduct work, share meals and attend classes & meetings, from home.
We exercise differently, learn differently and we work differently.
Being able to “adapt” to this new normal” has had innumerable consequences – where we find ourselves to be more distant and isolated. As we transition into a world where we must cope with this on a weekly basis, we can begin to see which parts of the old “normal” will return and which parts will define the new.
The Shell is one such example of a space, where its different programs have been the key focus. Keeping in mind a truly collaborative model of working with students, designers, architects and most importantly, artisans and craftsman. The design of The Shell shows how flexibility and adaptability are the key elements to allow activation of spaces.
A concrete-brick envelop which allows collaboration, discussion and creation between like-minded people the design lab has been envisioned as a space to construct and celebrate design. Keeping in mind its different functions, The Shell has also been designed to serve as a residency, a concert space, for screenings, reading sessions and spoken word poetry.
The shift of moving into a private working area to a more collaborative method of ideating and designing in an open space, allows The Shell to be a place that permits conversation and dialogue.
“In conversation at The Mango House” has been one example of this celebration where students and professionals are invited to experience an architectural project, interact with the studio as well as learn along the way.
The space is simultaneously used as a ‘studio away from the studio’ – The Loft a place for engaging with artisans, designers, students, and setting up a platform for discourse, within the profession.
Keeping the pandemic in mind, we are trying to alter ways in which The Shell can be experienced in the same way, not only following the social distancing rules and hygiene standards, but also continuing to implement our existing rules of a “no contact” policy.
The studio does plan to continue the “In Conversation” segment, by minimizing the number as well as grouping the visitors together. We are aware of how important it is to continue learning; at the same time we are certain that an open space, like The Shell, is one of the best places to continue this collaborative approach.
The Shell will continue to be the same space and serve the same purpose post pandemic as well. While there are no easy answers to these questions, we would like to return to this form of collective learning in a new way, and we will need to do so in a manner that keeps us safe. More than ever, it is critical that we consider the current scenario in our calculations as we prepare for some kind of “new normal” in a post-COVID world.
